The Effect (now on National Theatre At Home) - Paapa Essiedu & Taylor Russell - review with photos

The Effect received its premiere at the National Theatre's smallest auditorium. Since then, its author Lucy Prebble has achieved global renown as a writer of Succession. Now it's back at the National in the much larger Lyttelton Theatre. How have director Jamie Lloyd and designer Soutra Gilmour adapted this intimate play to a nearly 900 seat theatre? Does Lucy Prebble's drama about love, depression and chemicals in the brain still pack a punch? Does Paapa Essiedu confirm his reputation as one of the leading names in the new generation of actors? How does Taylor Russell fare in her theatrical debut? Paul Seven Lewis has the answers.
Also starring are Michele Austin and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
The Effect ran at the National Theatre until 7 October 2023. Now streaming on NTAtHome.
Production photos in this review are by Marc Brenner.
Paul paid for his ticket for a preview performance.
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[@postmanpat2964]

I think I'm going to still check this one out. Great review though!

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

Thank you. It’s had quite a few 4 star reviews, so you may well get something out of it that I didn’t. I recommend sitting as near to the front as possible.

[@robinvolpi]

As you should. Did you, by the way? :)

[@bunnygarden215]

Does the STAGE RAISE UP HIGH once the play starts? I Was told front row u are looking up a lot if in the front row, so,a bit worried, tho it doesnt look that high in yr video. Thanks 4 review.❤

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

Thank you for your comment. The lighting rig rises well into the air. The stage stays the height it is, which is certainly raised above the front rows. I don’t imagine there would be any problem seeing.

[@cokeandbuns]

I sat in the front row and I can’t think of a better seat especially because I think it’ll be sold out for a while. The stage is eye level when you sit down (I’m 5’8)

[@bunnygarden215]

@@cokeandbuns thank you 🙂

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

@@cokeandbuns Thanks for that useful information. I suspect this is a production that benefits from being seen from close up.

[@izzielily]

harry styles was there!!

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

Was he there because he loves theatre or is he being lined up to play the lead role in a film version?

[@izzielily]

@@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven i think he was there to support taylor! they seem very close, probably dating eachother

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

@@izzielily Aaah. Taylor Russell is very good. Interestingly it’s the second time this year that the National has given a stage debut to a Canadian screen actor- Mackenzie Davis was excellent in Phaedra.

[@izzielily]

@@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven oh thats so cool!